While wandering through the concrete jungle of Seoul with its towering skyscrapers, take time to escape to Seoul Forest to return to nature by feeding the herds of spotted deer. Make time to ride some thrilling attractions at the ever-popular theme park Lotte World in the Lotte Tower before venturing over to Seoul Tower to indulge in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. Hidden gems in the midst of this modern metropolis of nearly 10 million include the numerous palaces and shrines from Korea’s Joseon dynasty. Please check out the following guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace to admire the breathtaking structures before indulging in a journey over the Han River admiring Banpo Bridge’s evening rainbow light show.
Tip from tour guide
Gyeongbokgung, boasting over 600 years of rich heritage, was the main palace of the Joseon dynasty. Its name, "Gyeongbok," signifies the dynasty's aspirations for prosperity and blessings. Immerse yourself in Korea's vibrant culture and captivating past within the palace walls. Gyeongbokgung offers a unique opportunity to truly connect with the spirit of Korea by experiencing its traditional attire. Wear stunning hanbok, the beautiful Korean dress, for free when entering the palace grounds. This immersive experience allows you to step back in time and appreciate the rich cultural heritage that shapes Korea today.
Things to do/highlights
After wandering through Insadong’s busy market shops, enjoy a leisurely stroll across the sprawling grounds filled with pagoda-style architecture which were originally constructed in the 1300s until being bombed in the Korean War. Many structures have just been reconstructed to replicate the original during 1968-2010.
Rent traditional dress
Female visitors can enjoy dressing up to visit the palace by renting a traditional high-waisted dress called a hanbok. Male visitors can rent traditional pants, shirts, and top hats with feathers resembling Korean folk apparel. This is a fun way to enhance your visit to the ancient palatial buildings and sprawling grounds.
Changing of the guard
Each day between 10am to 2pm except for Tuesdays, the ceremonial changing of the guard occurs. Watch as the guards clothed in blue, jade, and crimson costumes and top hats with feathers march along to a marching band carrying medieval banners. Behold as a guard pounds on the large drum before all members return through the towering gates.
Shrines and outbuildings
Since the actual palace buildings are off-limits, visitors will only be able to admire the pagoda-style architecture. However, they can access the other outbuildings and shrines, although the belongings were mostly raided and burned by Japanese soldiers centuries ago.
Architecture
For lovers of architecture, it is something to see these massive stone walls which emphasized the power and strength of Korea’s ruling class. Walk through the overwhelming entrance to check out the watchtower, stone protective wall, and ornately decorated pagodas. Admire the multi-level, towering National Folk Museum which contains ancient writings, paintings, and information on Korean daily life and culture over the centuries.
Travelers tips
Before entering through the towering gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace there are some guidelines to make your visit a pleasurable one. The palace is open year-round to visitors who would like to learn more about Korea’s Joseon dynasty and culture at the onsite National Folk Museum.
Prohibited items
Weapons such as guns, gunpowder, swords, flammables, etc., are not permitted on palace grounds. It is prohibited to bring alcoholic beverages and any equipment necessary to prepare a meal while visiting the sprawling grounds. The entire area is designated as being non-smoking.
Visitors with disabilities
Only those with disabilities are allowed to bring pets onto the palace grounds. Wheelchairs can be rented to be used by visitors with disabilities during their visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Most of the palace’s surrounding area is flat and can be manoeuvred easily. There are ramps provided throughout the cobbled grounds to make viewing the numerous buildings accessible to those with mobility issues.
Free admission days
Every last Wednesday of the month is known as Culture Day which means that visitors to Seoul’s palaces don’t have to pay admission. This is really great if you are looking to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace since they are located fairly close to one another. Actually Changgyeonggung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace are a 21-minute walk from each other which is not pleasant on a windy overcast day in mid-October.
How to get there
Be one among the many millions of tourists visiting Seoul to explore attractions including historic Gyeongbokgung Palace. Travel to the stunning palace grounds by jumping on the subway, bus, City Sightseeing Bus, or taxi.
City Sightseeing Bus
Book a ticket online or take the metro to Seoul City Tour Bus office. Tickets can be purchased at the office prior to boarding. Adult ticket prices are 15 USD while children ticket prices are 10 USD. Hop on board the big, red double-decker bus for the enjoyable circuit tour of Seoul. Take Line A and depart at the Gyeongbokgung Palace stop.
Subway
Hop on board Line 3 and depart at Gyeongbokgung Station. Wander through the station corridors until you reach Exit 5. It is a five-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station to the grand entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The other option is to take Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station and depart at Exit 2. Gwanghwamun Station is a 10-minute walk from the impressive gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Check out the fares and schedules of the metro system by visiting the rapid transit website.
Bus
To reach the impressive historical site of Gyeongbokgung Palace, commute by the bus which is the least expensive mode of transportation. To reach the south side of the palace grounds, hop on board Lines 109, 171, 272, 601, 606, 1020, or 7025. By taking lines 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, 7212, 6011, and 9703 commuters will end up at the palace’s west entrance.
Taxi
For the most comfortable and least crowded mode of transportation, have a hotel call a taxi and provide directions to your destination. You could also have prepared ahead of time the addresses and names of sights by using Google translate. Using a taxi will guarantee door-to-door service by a local driver who has experience navigating the bustling metropolitan of Seoul.
How to book tickets
To purchase tickets ahead of time for a tour of Seoul’s majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, hop on over to the palace website. Book online a free guided tour to learn all about the history of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Information on Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Address: 161. Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03045, Republic of Korea
Opening hours: Nov - Feb: 9am - 5pm (daily), Mar - May, Sep - Oct: 9am - 6pm (daily); Jun - Aug: 9am - 6:30pm (daily)
Cost: 3 USD onwards
Official website: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Traveler's tips
Gwanghwamun Gate is spiritually significant in Korean culture due to its association with the historical and cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is often used as a venue for traditional ceremonies and events, reinforcing its spiritual and historical importance in connecting with Korea's cultural identity and traditions.
What's truly impressive is that this full-day tour offers a delightful and budget-friendly experience!
I ate too much "tteokbokki," which are spicy stir-fried rice cakes. It's a popular and flavorful snack found on many street corners and markets just near this gate
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheong Wa Dae, and Namsangol Hanok Village Day Tour in Seoul, South Korea
Duration: 9hrsDuration
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
What To Buy In Incheon AirportSidharth -
-
-
-
Create an account to